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News Release

INTERVIEWS: Playing Sports Safely In Summer Heat - 06/22/26

PORTLAND, Ore. (June 22, 2026) ~ Playing sports in the heat, whether at the professional level or in a weekend pickleball game, youth soccer match, or adult rec league, increases the risk of dehydration, overheating, and heat-related illness without proper preparation. As summer temperatures rise, Kaiser Permanente Northwest is offering expert guidance on how athletes and recreational players alike can stay safe while continuing to train and compete.

Heat-related illness sends thousands of people to emergency departments nationwide each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children, teens, older adults, and individuals not yet acclimated to warm-weather activity are at increased risk for dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Experts also note that men and women may respond differently to heat during physical activity due to differences in sweating patterns, hydration needs, and thermoregulation.

"Playing sports in the heat requires planning at every level, from professional athletes in high-performance training to people joining a casual game after work," said Dr. Melissa Novak Ott, Sports Medicine Physician for Kaiser Permanente Northwest and the Chief Medical Officer for the Portland Thorns and Associate Team Physician for the Portland Fire. "Hydration, pacing and cooling breaks are essential for everyone, but women also need to understand that their bodies can respond differently to heat. Women may experience heat acclimation differently than men and can have changes in thermoregulation across the menstrual cycle and how they sweat. Recognizing those differences can help people stay safer and perform better in the heat."

Dr. Novak Ott recommends gradually building heat tolerance, avoiding the hottest parts of the day when possible, wearing light breathable clothing, and maintaining hydration before and during activity. "A simple rule is to start activity well hydrated, pay attention to urine color, and replace both fluids and electrolytes during prolonged exercise in the heat." She also notes that women may require longer acclimatization periods and may benefit from proactive cooling strategies such as ice slurries, cold towels, and electrolyte support during exertion.

Interviews available:

Dr. Melissa Novak Ott, Sports Medicine Physician for Kaiser Permanente Northwest and Chief Medical Officer for the Portland Thorns and Associate Team Physician for the Portland Fire, is available for interviews on Tuesday, June 23 from 10:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Novak Ott is available to discuss:

  • Warning signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke

  • Safe participation in sports at both recreational and professional levels in summer heat

  • Hydration and electrolyte strategies for training, games, and competition

  • Why women may experience heat differently than men during exercise

  • Cooling techniques including ice slurries, cold towels, and cooling breaks

  • Heat safety for youth sports, adult recreation, and competitive athletics

  • When to stop activity and seek medical attention

  • How coaches, parents, and athletes can reduce heat-related risk

About Kaiser Permanente 

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org. 

INTERVIEWS: Playing Sports Safely In Summer Heat - 06/22/26

PORTLAND, Ore. (June 22, 2026) ~ Playing sports in the heat, whether at the professional level or in a weekend pickleball game, youth soccer match, or adult rec league, increases the risk of dehydration, overheating, and heat-related illness without proper preparation. As summer temperatures rise, Kaiser Permanente Northwest is offering expert guidance on how athletes and recreational players alike can stay safe while continuing to train and compete.

Heat-related illness sends thousands of people to emergency departments nationwide each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children, teens, older adults, and individuals not yet acclimated to warm-weather activity are at increased risk for dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Experts also note that men and women may respond differently to heat during physical activity due to differences in sweating patterns, hydration needs, and thermoregulation.

"Playing sports in the heat requires planning at every level, from professional athletes in high-performance training to people joining a casual game after work," said Dr. Melissa Novak Ott, Sports Medicine Physician for Kaiser Permanente Northwest and the Chief Medical Officer for the Portland Thorns and Associate Team Physician for the Portland Fire. "Hydration, pacing and cooling breaks are essential for everyone, but women also need to understand that their bodies can respond differently to heat. Women may experience heat acclimation differently than men and can have changes in thermoregulation across the menstrual cycle and how they sweat. Recognizing those differences can help people stay safer and perform better in the heat."

Dr. Novak Ott recommends gradually building heat tolerance, avoiding the hottest parts of the day when possible, wearing light breathable clothing, and maintaining hydration before and during activity. "A simple rule is to start activity well hydrated, pay attention to urine color, and replace both fluids and electrolytes during prolonged exercise in the heat." She also notes that women may require longer acclimatization periods and may benefit from proactive cooling strategies such as ice slurries, cold towels, and electrolyte support during exertion.

Interviews available:

Dr. Melissa Novak Ott, Sports Medicine Physician for Kaiser Permanente Northwest and Chief Medical Officer for the Portland Thorns and Associate Team Physician for the Portland Fire, is available for interviews on Tuesday, June 23 from 10:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Novak Ott is available to discuss:

  • Warning signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke

  • Safe participation in sports at both recreational and professional levels in summer heat

  • Hydration and electrolyte strategies for training, games, and competition

  • Why women may experience heat differently than men during exercise

  • Cooling techniques including ice slurries, cold towels, and cooling breaks

  • Heat safety for youth sports, adult recreation, and competitive athletics

  • When to stop activity and seek medical attention

  • How coaches, parents, and athletes can reduce heat-related risk

About Kaiser Permanente 

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.